Engine frame construction



June 24, 1941. J. w. OWENS ETAL ENGINE FRAME CONSTRUCTION Filed Aug. 28, 1939 5 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTORS HANS DAVIDS I JAMES W. OWENS- W A /64A ATTORNEY June 24, 1941. I J. w. OWENS ETAL ENGINE FRAME CONSTRUCTION 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 28, 1939 INVENTQRS HANS DAVIDS JAMES W. OWENS BY GM z. m4

ATTORNEY June 24, 1941. w OWENS ET AL 2,246,857

ENGINE FRAME CONSTRUCTION 5 Sheet s-Sheet 5 Filed Aug. 28, 1939 INVENTORS HANS DAVIDS JAMES W. OWENS ATTORNEY June 24, 1941- J. w. OWENS ETAL ENGINE FRAME CONSTRUCTION Filed Aug. 28, 1939 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTORS HANS DAVIDS JAMES W. OWENS BY 62/,

.1. ADA ATTORNEY J1me 1941- J. w. OWENS ET AL ENGINE FRAME CONSTRUCTION Filed Aug. 28, 1939 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 S m O| MN ED V S N A H W. OWENS JAMES ATTORNEY Patented June 24, 1941 'STATES ATE T oFr-gc 2,246,857 ENGINE FRAME CONSTRUCTION flames W. Owens and Hans Davids, Beloit, Wis, assignors to Fairbanks, Morse &'Co., Chicago, 111., a corporation of Illinois Application Augnst 28, 1939, Serial No. 292,231

.15 Claims. (01. 123-195) This invention relates to fabricated'cylinder blocks for internal combustion engines of single or multi-cylinder typ and more particularly to improvements in the structure and method of assembly of builtup cylinder blocks for engines of the Diesel, opposed piston type characterized by upper and lower crankshafts.

The principal object of the invention is to pro-- vide a greatly improved and simplified engine cylinder block fabricated from relatively few parts, including flat metallic platesand parts of special shapes, the parts being. adapted for ready and easy assembly, and further adapted to be secured together, as by welding, with greater facility than has been the case heretofore.

Another object is attained in theprovision of 'an improved, fabricated engine block, the structure of which includes interrelated main horizontal and vertical frame elements each of which is of a length to extend throughout at least the major part of the corresponding dimension of the completed block in the plane of the element, thus providing for a uniform and continuous transmission of the principal stresses substantially throughout the longitudinal, transverse and vertical extent of the engine frame, 'thereby proved engine block fabricated from relatively few frame members, in which the principal stress members arerelatively so adapted for assembly prior to welding of the several frame joints, asto obviate the need for assembly jigs and the like which have been necessary heretofore, to hold the frame elements in predetermined assembly relation during the welding process. More particularly, the main elements of the frame. are adapted for initial assembly prior to welding, in

' an interlocking manner, whereby there is greatly 1y, of said frame elements, whereby a completely uninterrupted transmission. of the main stresses occurring in the vertical direction between the upper and lower crankshafts, may be transmitted through these elements without materially stressing any of the horizontally arranged frame elements.

Among other objects and advantages attained by the present invention, may be noted the provision of a fabricated engine block comprised of but few frame elements adapted for assembly,

in a manner to provide a rigid frame structure, the extent and assembly relation of the elements being such as to require 'but a minimum number of welded joints in effecting assembly of the block, thus avoiding transmission of main stresses through a multiplicity of welded joints, such as obtains in heretofore prevailing fabricated types of engine frames, and the provision of an 1111-.

facilitated the proper alignment of the parts prior to welding.

Further objects and advantages will readily appear from the following description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings,

in which: 1

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of a preferred form of m'ulti-cylinder engine block or frame structure constructed according. to the present invention, parts thereof being shown insection to illustrate certain details of construction thereof; Fig. 2 is an enlarged, fragmentary section of certain frame elements of the structure, as taken from line 2-2 in Fig. 1'; Fig. 3 is an enlarged, vertical section of the frame transversely therethrough, as viewed from line H in Fig. 1; Fig.4 is a viewin perspective, of the fabricated, longitudinal side walls of the frame; Fig. 5 is a view in perspective, of the principal, vertical frame elements of the block, and Fig. 6 is a view in perspective, of the several horizontal frame elements or deck plates which extend longitudinally of the block, the

view showing the principal frame elements in each of the several vertically spaced levels or decks of the block.

Referring to the drawings by suitable characters of reference, the several views thereof illustrate the constructional details and assembly relation of frame elements comprising in assembly, a preferred form of fabricated cylinder block II for a multi-cylinder engine. In the present errample, the frame is adapted for a. Diesel engine of opposed-piston type, characterized by 'upper and lower crankshafts, although it is to be understood that a frame structure constructed accordingto this invention, is applicable generally, as by appropriate modifications in the shape and assembly relation of the frame parts to accommodate the structural characteristics of the particular type of engine, to engines of fuel oil, gas or gasoline operated types.

Block I0 is comprised of vertically arranged,' opposite end plates H and I2 and similarly arranged intermediate frame plates l4. The general form and overall shape of these plates is best illlmrated in Fig. 5, wherein it will be noted that the intermediate plates M are substantially identical, while the end plates II and I2 differ in form relative to each other and to plates i4 "illustrated is adapted for a three-cylinder engine,

hence four plates I4 are shown (Figs. 1 and 5).

ofsubstantiailyrectankularopenlngsflJland a, each of which serves principally, to facilitate the assembly of horizontally extending frame members or deck plates to the vertical plates i4, this as will hereinafter more fully appear'. From the foregoing description of the plates i4,

it will be observed that while each is recemed' and apertured as indicated, there remain in each plate, unbroken portions ll which extend substantially throughout the vertical dimension of r the plate. The principal engine block stresses As will be observed in Fig. 1, the spacing of the plates i 4 longitudinally of the block, is substantially uniform and suflicient to-properly accommodate cylinder structures or liners (not shown) therebetween. Also, as shown in Fig. 1, each of the plates H, I 2 and I4 is substantially coextensive with the vertical extent of the block, while the lateral extent of each is substantially equivalent w the block width, as indicated in Figs. 3 and 5. Further, as appears in Figs. 1 and 5, the thickness of each plate i4 which is uniform throughout the plate, is by preference, somewhat greater than the thickness of either of the end plates Ii and I2, for the reason that the plates i4 constitute principal stress transmitting members of the frame, as they carry the main engine stresses occurring in the vertical direction.

All of the plates il, l2 and I4 may be formed from :uitable sheet steel stock, as by stamping, flame cutting, or by any other well known means, to produce the desired shape for each and to provide the desired apertures and recesses therein, the latter being provided for purposes which will hereinafter appear.

The several plates l4 are by preference, su stantially identical in form, and each is proshaft (not shown), while a similar recess is is formed in the lower plate end 26, to receive a like hearing saddle member 22 for the lower crankshaft (not shown). The bearing saddles II and 22, each of which is adapted for association with a complementary saddle member (not shown) to form a complete crankshaft bearing, may be suitable steel castings drop-forged or otherwise shaped to the desired form, and when seated in the plate recesses therefor, are welded to the plateto provide a rigid, unitary assembly of these parts. It will be observed in each case, that the extentof abutting contact of the plate l4 with the bearing member is considerable, by reason of the angulate contour of the-plate margin defining the bearing member-receiving recess. As a result, a desirably long welded joint is effected at this zone, whereby to materially increase the strength of the structural connection of these elements.

Upwardly of its lower end 20, the plate I4 is laterally recessed on each side, as at 22 (Fig. 5), to accommodate exhaust discharge conduits (not shown), as will .be hereinafter more fully indicated. Above the recess 23 on each side of the plate, are formed vertically aligned apertures 24 and 26 each-of a substantially rectangular shape, these openings being provided for purposes which will be later described. Located centrally of the plate and in vertical register, are a plurality saddle member i8 (Fig. 3) for the upper crank- A5 of any kind.

occurring in the vertical direction, are carried in greater part by these portions of the vertical plates l4, and as will be observed, the stress on in each portion II is continuous in a single element, unbroken by structural joints Referring particularly to Figs. 1, 3 and 6, each of the plates I4 is secured at its lower end 26, to laterally spaced, horizontal base plates 32 which extend longitudinally of the engine frame between the end plates II and I2 (Fig. 1). Securement of the plates l4 to the base or foot plates is'eflected preferably by weldin as shown at 34 in Fig. 1, The foot plates serve as mounting seats for securing the engine block upon its foundation (not shown), and as observed in Fig. 6, the inner longitudinal edges of these plates are suitably recessed, as at 35, to provide working clearances for certain of the operating parts of the engine, as the cranks on the lower crankshaft (not shown). It may be noted here that like plates 14, the lower ends of the end plates II and I2 are secured, as by welding, to the base plates 32.

As shown by Figs. 1, 3 and 6, the horizontal frame elements of the engine block are formed and arranged to provide a plurality of horizontally directed, vertically spaced decks denoted generally, by the numerals 36,- l1, l8. and :0. Each deck in lateral extent, corresponds substantially to the width of the engine block (Fig. 3) while with the exception of the deck 31 which extends longitudinally of the block onlybetween the plate i 4 adjacent the end plate l2 and that-- plate l4 adjacent the opposite end plate II, the length of each deck corresponds substantially to the longitudinal extent of the block (Fig. 1).

Describing first the lowermost deck 26, it will be observed from Figs. 3 and 6, that the deck is comprised by preference, of a central deck plate 42 of a predetermined, appreciable thickness, and cooperating plates 43, one on each side of the central plate, each of the latter being of a thickness somewhat less than the thickness of the central plate. The central plate 42 is of a lateral width to span' the vertical portions ll of the several plates I4, the plate preferably extending of the block, the plate 42 is welded to the plates l4 at the'zones of the portions 2| in the slots 46, as indicated at 48 in Fig. 1. The plate 42 is further proyided with suitably spaced, circular openings 46 to accommodate therethrough, engine cylinders or cylinder liners (not shown).

-T'he spacing of the liner-receiving openings 49 is such that each is disposed between an adjacentpair of the plates l4 in-the block assembly,

this as indicated in Fig. 2 -Also, an additional opening 631s formed in the left endoi' the plate (Fig.6), for the passage therethrough, of certain operating elements (not shown) of the engine.

The deckplates 43 on each side of the central plate 42, each contain spaced recesses or slots 5| (Fig. 6) in the inner longitudinal edge 52 thereof, to receive in assembly, the portions 3| of the plates I4, as shown in Fi 3. The depth of the slots 5| is such that each plate 43 may be "positioned so that its inner longitudinal edge 52 abuts the adjacent longitudinal edge 41 of the central plate 42, and in assembly, each plate 43 is welded to the central plateat such zone of abutment, as at 54 (Fig. 3). Also, each plate 43 may be welded to the portions 3| of the plates H which are received in the slots 5|, as shown at 55 in Fig. 1. As appears in Fig. 3, the vertical spacing of the deck assembly 36 above described, with respect to say the foot plates 32, is preferably such that each deck plate 43 engages and rests upon the adjacent lower horizontal edges 56 of plates I4 which define in part the lateral recesses 23 in the latter plates. As preferred in the present example, the plate 43 may be welded to the edges 56, as indicated at 51 in Fig. 1. As before indicated, the deck assembly 36 extends to the end plate II, and in the block assembly, is secured thereto as by welding (not shown).

, The deck assembly 31 next above deck 36, while somewhat shorter in longitudinal extent as hereinbefore indicated, is similar in its structural features and assembly relation to the vertical plates I4, as above described for the deck 36. It includes a central deck plate 63 and cooperating plates 6| on opposite sides of the plate 63, the central plate containing three spaced openings 62 of circular form, for receiving cylinder liner assemblies (not shown). In the frame assembly, the openings 62 are of course, in vertical register with the corresponding openings 43 in the lower deck 36. In addition, each of the side deck plates 6| has formed therein three spaced apertures 64 of circular form, each aperture by preference, being in register laterally of the deck, with the adjacent cylinder opening in the central plate, such relation being clearlyillustrated in Fig. 6. The openings 64 are provided for receiving certain elements of the engine assembly, as piping associated with the cylinder cooling system (not shown).

The location of the deck 31 relative to the vertical frame plates I4 is such that the central plate 63 engages and rests upon the web elements 65 bridging the vertical portions 3| of plates I4 (Figs. 1 and 3), while the plates 6| engage the plates I.4 along the marginal edges 66 thereof which define in part, the lateral recesses 23 in the latter plates. The deck plates are welded to the plates I4 at such zones of engagement, as clearly indicated at 63 for the central plate 63 and at 69 for the side plates 6| (Fig. 1)..

The deck 33 next above deck 31 last described, is likewise similar in its structural features and assembly relation to the vertical plates I4, as hereinbefore described for decks 36 and 31. Like the others, it is comprise'dof a central deck plate.

3 the webs", as shown at 16 in Fig. 1. Also,,,the

central plate 13 is provided vviththree cylinderreceiving openings 13 and an additional opening 13, the latterop'ening being provided for the purpose indicated for the corresponding opening 53 in the deck plate 42 of the lowermost deck 33. In the frame assembly, the liner-receivingopenings 13 are in vertical register with the corresponding openings 43 and 62 in the lower decks 36 and 31 respectively, while the deck opening 13 is in vertical register with the opening 53 in deck 36. Moreover, each of the deck plates 1| is provided with three spaced openings 33, each in register laterally of the block, with an adjacent one of the cylinder openings 13 in the central plate, these openings being provided to receive fuel injection pumps or like instrumentalities (not shown)"1forming parts of the engine assembly. To facilitate proper seating of the pumps in said openings, each plate 1| has secured thereto in association with each opening 33, a bushing ring 32 which is properly centered with respect to its associated plate opening 33. The rings 32 are, by preference, welded to the plates 1|. Since as hereinbefore indicated, the lateral extent of the deck assembly 33 is coextensive with the width of the block, as between the opposite outer vertical edges 33 of the plates I4, each plate 1| is provided in its outer longitudinal edge 34, with spaced recesses or notches 36 (Fig. 6) to receive the vertical frame portions 31 of the plates I4, as shown in Fig. 3. At the zones of such recesses, the plates 1| -may be welded to the portions 31 of the plates I4 to effect a rigid securement of the parts in assembly.

As in the instance of the lowermost deck 36, the deck 33 extends to the end plate II and is secured thereto by welding (not shown).

The uppermost deck assembly 33, although related to the plates I4 in a manner similar to that described for each of the lower decks, differs in structure from the others above described, in that it includes, by preference, five elements instead of three. The central deck plate 33 thereof, which in form and assembly relation to the plates I4, is substantially identical to the central deck element 42 of deck assembly 36, is provided with cylinder-receiving openings 33 in vertical register with the corresponding openings in the lower decks, and an auxiliary opening 3| in vertical register with the corresponding openings 53 and 13 in the lower decks 36 and 33, respectively. On each side of the central deck plate is a deck plate element 32 which engages the plates |4 along horizontal edges 34 thereof defining the upper margins of the apertures 26 in the latter plates (Fig. 3), the deck plates 32 being secured thereto as by welding, as indicated at 35 in Fig. 1. In the outer longitudinal margin 36 of each plate are formed suitable notches 33 to receive the portions 33 of the plates I4, while to the inner longitudinal margin I33 of each is welded the upper longitudinal edge I32 of an angulate deck plate element I33. The plate I33 which is somewhat L shape in section, has its lower longitudinaliedge I34 secured to the plate 33 in the manner shown in Fig. 3, as by welding at I36. Also, the lower edge I34 of plate I33 is suitably notched, as at I31, to receive the portions 3| of the plates I4. Each plate 32 has formed therein in spaced relation, openings I33 to receive fuel pumps (not shown). These openings in each plate, in the assembly of the engine block, are in vertical register with the corresponding openings 33 in the deck'plate 1| therebelow (Fig. 3), and as in the deck assembly 33, a bushing element H is associated with each opening I33, being centered with respect thereto and aecured to the plate as by welding.

Secured as by welding to the upper horizontal edges III of the plates I4 on each side of the bearing saddles I3, are top plates II2 each of a form corresponding to the foot plates 32. The plates II2 preferably extend the full length of the upper end of the engine block as shown in Fig. 1, the extent thereof being determined in the present example, by the end wall I2 and an end wall element II4 on the opposite end of the block, the latter forming a part of an overhanging frame portion II5 of the engine block, as will be later described. It will be noted in Fig. 1 also, that in the present example it is preferred to provide the deck plates 32 and I03 of deck assembly 33, of a length to extend longitudinally of the block between end walls I2 and H4, this for structural reasons in the strengthening of the block and the overhanging portion II5 thereof, as well as for a reason later to appear.

Completing the engine frame are side plate assemblies I20 and I2I as shown in detached elevation in Fig. 4. Viewing the side plate assemblies from the left end of Fig. 4, the plate assemblies I20 and HI appear respectively, as right and left hand sides for the engine frame, each being identical in number and form of the elements comprising the same, but adapted for right and left hand assembly to the plates II, I2 and I4 as will readily appear. Since they are identical except for the adaptation of each to the right or left side of the frame, as above noted, only one thereof will be described in detail, the same reference numerals applying to the corresponding elements of the other.

The side assembly I20 is comprised of a lower plate I 22 which is secured along its lower longitudinal edge I24, to a strengthening bar I25, the plate edge being preferably butt-welded to the bar as at I26 (Fig. 3). The bar is secured upon the foot plate 32 against the lower edges I23 of the vertical plates II, I2 and I4 (Fig. 1), the manner of securement thereof being by welding. The plate I22 engages and is welded to the lower, vertically directed edge I29 of each of the plates II, I2 and I4, while its upper longitudinal edge I30 is butt-welded, as at I32, to a longitudinal bar I33 which is seated in shouldered recesses I34 in the plates l4. The bar I33 is preferably v welded to the plates I4 and has its opposite ends I 36 welded to the end plates II and I2, respectively. It is to be noted here and as shown in Fig. 3, that the outer longitudinal edge I31 of the deck plate 43 is also welded to the bar I33,

as at I33.

Seated in shouldered recesses I33 in the plates I2 and I4, is a bar I40 of shorter longitudinal extent than the bar I33, this bar extending only between the end plate I2 and the plate I4 adjacent the opposite end plate II. The bar I40 is likewise welded to the plates I2 and I4, and it is to be noted also, that the longitudinal outer edge I of deck plate BI is welded to bar I40, as at I42 (Fig. 3). The side frame' is completed by a side plate I44 of a length vertically of the block, to extend between the rail or bar I40 and the top plate II2 (Fig. 3), the plate further having a depending portion I45 at the left end thereof (Fig. 4), extending to the lower bar I33, and a longitudinally projected portion I43 at the same end. The lower longitudinal edge I" of the plate abuts the bar I40 and is welded aasaesv thereto as indicated at I43 in Fig. 3, while the lower edge I43 (Fig. 4) of the depending plate portion I abuts the bar I33 and is welded thereto. Also the plate I44 is welded to the vertical edges of the frame plates II, I2 and I4, while the end of the extended portion I43 thereof is similarly welded to the auxiliary end plate H4 at the left of the frame (Fig. 1). The upper longitudinal edge I53.of the plate is welded to the top plate I I2, as indicated at I52 in Fig. 3.

Each of the side plates I22 and I44 is provided with a plurality of apertures or hand holes as shown in Fig. 4, which are suitably spaced to facilitate acce to the interior of the frame structure. All of these openings are normally closed by suitable cover plates (not shown).

It will be noted in Fig. 4, that the side plate structure above described does not cover the opening I53 :between the bars I33 and I40, which opening is opposite the recesses 23 in plates I4, as this opening is provided for the insertion therethrough of a unitary exhaust manifold (not shown) which extends longitudinally of the block through the recesses" in plates I4. This provision is made for a manifold common to the cylinder exhaust ports (not shown) of all the engine cylinders. However, in the final assembly of the engine frame, such opening is closed by a unitary, longitudinal side plate I54 which is bolted to the bars I33 and I 40, as by bolts I55 (Fig. 3). As appears in Fig. 3, the side plate I54 serves not only to close the opening I53, but importantly as a stress carrying frame member which in cooperation with the bars I33 and I 40, completes the vertical stress continuity of the vertical plates I4, across the plate recesses 23. Thus, it will now appear that in assembly, the plates I4 and the side plates I54 through the bars I33 and I40 engaging the plates I4, effectively carry the frame stress load occurring in the vertical direction.

In the final assembly of the frame, the upper decks 33 and 33 and the opposite side plates I44,

together with the apertures 26 in the vertical I suitable blower, (not shown) which is carried by the overhanging frame portion I'I5, to the air ports in the several cylinders (not shown), the air chamber thus being common to all the cylinders.

The openings 30 and I03 in the deck assemblies 33 and 39 respectively, are vertically aligned in pairs as indicated in Figs. 3 and 6, and in the assembly of the engine mechanism, a fuel pump (not shown) is extended through each pair of such openings, the pump extending vertically through the air chamber I5'I with its lower end disposed in the chamber I53 formed by the decks 31 and 33 and the side plates I44, while its upper end is located in the space I between the top plates I I2 and the deck 33. The pumps of course,

' serve to deliver fuel under pressure to suitable other.

I conventional manner, as through engine operated{ camshafts (not shown). In the present example, and as clearly indicated in Fig. '3, the

frame is adapted for a dual-nozzle and pump.

combination for each cylinder. Accordingly, pro- 6 therewith a suitable bearing bushing ring I" I which may be ,welded to theplate margin about the opening (Fig. 1); U The assembly of the frame is effected substantially as described, but it is to be pointed out here, that the central apertures 21, 28 and SI and side apertures 2| and 28 in the plates IQ are in register longitudinally of the block, and are of sufllcient area to facilitateinitial assembly of the deck plates to the plates I4, before the welding operations. Thus in the frame fabrica- '20 tion process, the vertical plates 14 are first arranged in proper spaced position relative to each Then the central plateelement of each deck assembly is inserted substantially on edge,

longitudinally through the particular central 5 plates being apertured to receive enginecylinder openings provided therefor in plates l4,- and then displaced into a horizontal plane with. the slots in its edges receiving the adjacent portions of the plates It as heretofore described. The same procedure is had with the side plate elements of the deck assemblies, with the exception of those of the two lower decks, l8 and 31. The latter may be inserted laterally through the re cesses 23 in the plates It; as will beapparen' from Fig. 3. With the deck plates thus initially assembled .to the plates M in the manner described, the frame will be substantially selfsupporting through the slotted engagement of the deck plates with the plates H, as such arrangement serves to provide for a substantially '40 interlocking engagement of the elements. Thereafter, the remaining frame elements may be assembled in regular. order, followed by proper alignment of all the elements, and then welded together, to provide a strong, rigid and unitary engine frame. In connection with the foregoing, it will be noted that the designation of the main frame members as horizontal and vertical members, employed throughout the description, conforms to the present exemplary disclosure of a vertical opposed piston engine frame. But it will be readily appreciated that such terms indicate within the full scope of the invention, an arrangement wherein one set of members bears a substantially right-angle relation to another set thereof. v

As will appear in Fig. 1, the assembled frame provides an end chamber I located between the end wall If and the adjacent vertical frame element 14, and achamber I66 at the opposite end, 00

between end wall I I and the adJacent member ll,

these chambers being provided for operating parts of the engine (not shown).

From the foregoing description of the preferred embodiment .of the invention, it will be observed that there is attained a greatly improved engine frame structure. The frame is comprised of relatively few elements which are structurally related and united to form a strong and rigid assembly, wherein the stresses occurring in the 70 B sembly of the parts, and to inmate welding or the parts together in a manner to prevent material warping or'misalignment thereof. In the final assembly of the frame, those portions thereof which are requiredto be machine-finished, for 4 proper assembly thereto of the workin parts of the engine organization, are machined in any suitable manner. Also, the assembled frame is treated 'in a suitablemanner, to equalize the stresses therein, whereby to relieve points or zones of undesirably high stress in the frame.

It is'to be understood that the foregoing deserlption and accompanying drawings relateonly to a preferred form of the improved engine frame structure, and that alterations in the parts and assembly relation thereof may be made without departing from the scope of the invention,- as

defined by the appended claims.

We claim:

. J 1. A fabricated frame structure for a vertical multicylinder engine, including a purality of spaced vertical plates, each. provided ith' a plurality of apertures, a plurality of deck-forming plates extended through the apertured portions ofthe vertical plates, certain of the deck-forming structures between adjacent vertical plates,- and members for completing the lateral closure er the frame structure, the plates being permanently metallically united for assembly, and the 010- sure members being metallically united to the adjacent plates. 1

- 2. A fabricated frame structure for a vertical multi-cylinder engine, including a plurality of spaced vertical plates, each apertured and formed .on at least one of its ends to engage a shaft hearing assembly, each of said vertical plates being characterized by one or more intermediate portions extending uninterruptedly from top to bottom of the frame structure, a plurality of deckforming plates extended through the apertures of the vertical plates, at least some of the deckforming plates being apertured to receive engine cylinder structures, and closure elements for laterally and endwise completing the enclosure of the frame structure, the vertical plates, deckforming plates, and closure elements being weld ed along the lines of their engagement, so as to constitute a unitary frame structure.

3, In a fabricated cylinder block and frame structure for a multi-cylinder engine, a plurality of spaced vertical plates, each provided with a] plurality of apertures and endwise formed to engage engine shaft bearing assemblies, a plurality inder-containing portion of the block and frame,

the vertical plates and cylinder-supporting plates being welded together along zones of mutual engagement, and side and end closures welded to the vertical plates and cylinder supporting plates" in a manner to complete the closure of .the sides and ends of the block and frame structure.

4. In a cylinder block and framestructure for a multi-cylinder engine, a plurality of spaced ver-' tical plates, a companion set of horizontal plates,

cylinder liners carried by the last said plates,.both

said sets or groups of plates being apertured, and

one set of the plates extending through the aper, tures of the other; one of the sets ofplates being characterized by narrow-recesses adapted to re-- cei've body portions of the other set in interfltting engagement, the two sets of plates being welded ture for a multt-cylinder engine, including a plurality of spaced vertical plates arranged in substantially parallelrelation, a plurality of cylinder supporting plates arranged in spaced parallelrelation substantially transversely of the vertical plates, one set of the plates being provided with recesses of a width substantially corresponding to the thickness or au e of metal comprising'the other set of plates, with portions of the latter set interengaging said recesses, the two sets of plates being welded into assembly in the zones of their interfittingengagement.

' 6. In a fabricated-cylinder block and frame assembly for multi-cylinder internal combustion engines, a series or set of spaced apertured vertical plates, a plurality of deck plates extending through some of the apertures of the vertical plates, the deck plates being adaptedtn constitute supports for the engine cylinder structures, at least some of the deck plates being provided. with marginal notches of a width to be snugly occupied by the metal of the vertical plates, the latter extending into the notches, and the plates being welded into assembly in the zones of the inter fltting-engagement of the two sets of plates.

7. In a fabricated frame structure for a' multicylinder, vertical, in-line type engine, a plurality of one-piece vertical ,skeleton plates horizontally spaced longitudinally of the frame, each plate being characterized-by a, plurality of apertures and intervening .bodies of metal, the apertures being 50 located as to provide in said plates a plurality of spaced vertical bars extending continuouslyfrom end to end of the plates, and extending substantially over the height of the frame, and a plurality of cylinder supporting elements each longitudinally bridging aplurality of said plates and prolectins through certain of the apertures thereof, said elements being welded to theplates in the zones of engagement therewith. V f

8. In a frame for a multi-cylinder verticalengine, a plurality: of one-piece skeleton platesar- 2,246,857 together along" the zones of their interntting plates traversing the apertured portions; of the vertical plates, substantially over the length of.

the cylinder-containing portions of the block'and frame, and welded into securement with the ver- 1 cylinder opposed piston engine, a plurality of spaced vertical'plate-like structures, each including a base portion, a top portion and a' vertical stress bar extending substantially continuously between the base portion and the top portion,

said base and top portions of each plate-like structure extending laterally over substantially the full width of the frame, shaft-bearing as- "semhlies carried by'and secured to the top and base portions of said plate-like structures, and a plurality of horizontal cylinder mounting plates extending substantially from end to end of the porting plates and vertical stress bars being welded together along at least certain of the zones of their inter-fitting engagement forsecuring them in assembly. 1

11. In a fabricated frame structure for an opposed-piston typ multi-cylinder engine, a pluraiity of spaced frame members extending vertically and transversely of the framestructure,

each formed along its'top and bottom margins ranged inhorizontally spaced relation longltudiplates and projecting through certain of the apertures thereof, said deckplates being-welded into securement with said vertically disposed plates.

9. In a unitary fabricated cylinder block and frame structure for multi-cylinder engines, a plurality of vertical skeleton plates each extending substantially over the height of the frame, each plate being apertured with the apertures so 10- cited therein as to provide in said plate a plu-- rality of spaced vertical bars extending continuously from end to end and vertically of the plate, and further so as to provide'in said plate a plurality of bars extending transversely of the plate, substantially over the full width of the frame, and a plurality of substantially horizontal deck toengage a shaft bearing assembly, and formed between its ends to provide a stress bar extending substantially continuously between the opposite bearing assemblies associated with the member, a supporting deck structure for cylinder liners, including at least a pair of longitudinal plates apertured for the liners and extending longitudinally of the frame structure, and being substantially continuous in a direction endwise of the engine through the cylinder-containing portion thereof, the cylinder-supporting plates being adapted for. receiving portions of the vertical members in interfitting engagement therewith, and being welded to, said members in the zones of said interfltting engagement, and means Providing closures for theside and ends of the frame, and welded in the vertical. members to constitute a unitary structure therewith.

12. In a welded frame construction for multi cylinder opposed piston engines, a plurality of vertical skeleton plate-like elements arranged in spaced relation endwise of the engine, and each formed along its top and bottom margins to engage a shaft: bearing assembly, and formed between its ends to provide a pair of spaced stress bars extending substantially continuously between the opposite bearing assemblies associated with the plate, and the plate being apertured between aid bar portions, a plurality of superposed horizontal deck plates, apertured and formed to support a cylinder liner between the adjacent vertical plates, the deck plates each being marginally apertured to receive portions of the vertical plate elements, and'being welded thereto in the mnes of intersection of theplate and deck elements. I

' 13. In a welded frame construction for multicylinder, opposed piston engines, a plurality .of verticalskeleton v plate elements arranged in spacedrelation endwise of the engine, and each formed along its top and bottom margins to engage 'a haft bearing asbembly, the plate being formed between its ends to provide a pair of spaced stress bars extending substantially continuously between the opposite bearing assemblies associated with the plate, and the plate being apertured between said bar portions, a plurality of superposed horizontal deck plates, apertured and formed to provide supports for a .cylinder liner between the adjacent vertical plates, the deck elements each being marginally apertured to receive portions of the vertical plate elements, and being welded thereto in the zones of intersection of the vertical plate elements by the deck elements, each of the vertical plates being provided with wing portions projected laterally of each of the stress bar portions thereon, and lateral closures for the frame, weldedinto ecurement with said wing portions.

14. A fabricated frame and cylinder block structure for a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine, the frame and block structure including a plurality or set of spaced parallel plates arranged vertically of the engine, a plurality or set of spaced parallel horizontal plates of a trend lengthwise of the engine, one of said sets of plates being provided with apertures and the other said set of plates extending through said apertures; one of said sets of plates being notched to receive and snugly engage opposite face portions of the other plates, and the plates being welded into assembly in part by weld lines in the zones of interfitting engagement of the plates, and side and end closure members formed of shaped sheet metal, welded into engagement with certain of the plates of said sets, one of said sets of plates providing a plurality of registering apertures for the reception of a cylinder liner between adjacent plates of the other set; one of said set of plates providing continuous rectilinear metal portions on opposite sides of the cyl-' inder of a trend vertically of the engine frame, and the other set of plates being formed to provide continuous rectilinear metal portions along opposite sides of the cylinder structure, and of a trend horizontally of the engine.

1-5. In a cylinder block for a multi-cylin'der internal combustion engine of opposed piston type characterized by upper and lower crankshafts, horizontally paced, vertically arranged unitary frame members of an extent corresponding substantially to the vertical and lateral extent of the cylinderblock, laterally spaced base plates extending longitudinally of the block, to which the lower ends of the frame members are welded, each of said frame members being recessed in its upper and lower ends, upper and lower crankshaft bearing'elements seated in said recesses respectively and being welded to the frame member, a plurality of vertically spaced, deck plate assemblies extending longitudinally of the block and each being of a lateral extent corresponding to the width of the block, each of said decks being adapted for interlocking engagement with said vertical frame members and being welded thereto in assembly, and opposite side plate assemblies extending longitudinally throughout the length of the block, said side plate assemblies being welded to said vertical frame members, deck plates and base plates.

JAMES W. OWENS.

HANS DAVIDS. 

